With over 20 million items offered since its debut 5 a long time in the past, the 3 Sequence is BMW’s most profitable mannequin, constantly setting the benchmark for sports activities sedans with its flawless mixture of efficiency, consolation, luxurious, expertise, and high quality. In addition to, it additionally stays surprisingly inexpensive.
The 330i, for instance, begins at $47,500—a value remarkably near the common transaction value (ATP) for all new automobiles in America ($48,907). After all, upgrading to the 330i xDrive ($49,500) or the 340i ($61,700) and including choices such because the Driving Help Skilled Package deal ($1,700) and Premium Package deal ($1,550-$1,950) might push the worth to $55,000-$65,000. Even then, that’s corresponding to the ATP of luxurious automobiles ($58,247).
However what concerning the competitors? How do different compact luxurious sedans measure up in opposition to the G20’s value/worth proposition? This text goals to reply that.
European Rivals
The G20’s most important rivals are the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Audi A5, with MSRPs of $48,450 and $49,700, respectively. Whereas the worth distinction is minimal, the three Sequence stays our high advice. In spite of everything, Automobile and Driver locations the G20 3 Sequence on the high of its record for luxurious sedans below $50,000, forward of the A5. Whereas Edmunds charges it as the very best luxurious compact sedan, forward of the C-Class.
Admittedly, extra inexpensive European alternate options have additionally existed, such because the Alfa Romeo Giulia (Motor Development’s 2018 Automobile of the Yr) and the Volvo S60, however each have reached the top of their lifecycle.
Asian Rivals
The Lexus IS ($41,830) and ES ($43,435) are each cheaper than the three Sequence and maybe supply higher high quality and dependability. That is validated by J.D. Energy’s 2025 Preliminary High quality Research, which named Lexus the highest-rated model and the IS the highest-rated compact premium automotive.
In the meantime, there’s additionally the Acura Integra ($33,000) and the Genesis G70 ($42,500). Notably, the G70 gained Motor Development’s 2019 Automobile of the Yr title, albeit it lacks the identify recognition that the three Sequence enjoys.
American Rivals
The three Sequence’ most vital American rival is probably the Tesla Mannequin 3 ($42,490). The latter stands out for its extremely superior digital interface and a powerful electrical powertrain that gives a 363-mile vary and a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds. Whereas high quality and reliability do stay a priority, the Mannequin 3 comprehensively outsells the three Sequence with 189,903 deliveries final yr (in comparison with the G20’s 31,330 items).
What about Cadillac? Properly, with an MSRP of $35,600, the Cadillac CT4 undercuts the three Sequence by over $10,000. Actually, price-wise, Cadillac’s competitor to the three Sequence is the CT5 ($48,600), which is positioned in opposition to the 5 Sequence. Nonetheless, this discounted value doesn’t replicate higher worth for cash—if something, it simply tells you ways weak the Cadillac model has grow to be.
Conclusion
Many of the 3 Sequence’ rivals have a decrease MSRP, however not all of them present higher worth. For a digitally targeted and sustainable choice, the Mannequin 3 is the clear selection. The Lexus IS, in the meantime, ensures segment-leading high quality and reliability. Lastly, the C-Class and the A5 are the closest to the three Sequence by way of the general package deal.
Our decide will at all times be the G20. Even on the finish of its lifecycle, it stays a really spectacular automobile. The M340i, specifically, is arguably the very best day by day driver a few of us right here at BMWBLOG have ever gotten our arms on.
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